Think back to when you were in high school. You were probably concerned with homework and friendships, or what you wanted to do after graduating. Maybe you were trying to balance a part-time job along with your studies.
No matter how you spin it, high school is difficult. There’s a lot for students to navigate, from classwork to new social dynamics. Your high schooler might be having a difficult time juggling it all.
Everyone learns in a unique way, and for some students, the traditional approach to high school doesn’t cut it. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t options outside of the typical high school experience. While many students can thrive in the classroom settings arranged by a more straightforward approach to learning, some may need extra guidance, and that’s okay. In fact, alternative learning is on the rise.
Some high schoolers can be tempted to drop out if high school isn’t working for them. As their parent, you know what works best for your child: whether that’s traditional high school or an alternate setting. The good news is there are more alternatives to dropping out of high school now than ever before.
Before we unpack the alternative learning environments for high schoolers, let’s dive into the warning signs that your child could be happier in another school setting.
While you might notice some more apparent indicators in your child’s attitude towards school, there are also more subtle ways to gauge your high schooler’s success and happiness in their environment.
We’ve unpacked some of the most common reasons your kid might be happier in another high school setting below.
If your child struggles in one class or all of them, try to talk to them and see what they see the problem as. They may feel unmotivated based on the class structure, or they may be bored because they’re moving through the material quicker than their peers.
If they’re feeling unmotivated or unsupported in their academics, they may need a different approach to learning with a more personalized philosophy.
Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be to wake your child up on time for school? Or maybe you’ve noticed that they’re skipping classes often. These could be signs that they are unhappy in school. If they opt to stay home or pick up work shifts during school hours, that could also indicate that something isn’t right in their school experience.
Asking your child why they’re skipping school might be just the opportunity they’re looking for to share their school struggles with you. You can also ask their teachers, faculty, and counselors at the school to see if they have any insight into how your child has been doing academically and socially.
If your child never talks about their school friends, or if it seems like they don’t have anyone to group up with on school projects, it could be a sign that they’re not making meaningful connections While your student doesn’t have to be friends with everyone in their class, social connections are essential to the high school experience. As you may know, friendships from our youth can last well past high school, and developing the social skills necessary to succeed in high school will set your child up for success.
If your child seems to have friends but doesn’t feel especially connected to them, or if their friends are being dismissive of your child’s experiences, that can also have a negative impact on your child’s high school experience.
Another factor that can contribute to poor attendance and overall unhappiness in school is bullying. One out of every five students reports being bullied. In some cases, bullying can cause severe anxiety, contributing to missed school and poor academic performance. Experiencing the effects of bullying also significantly increases the chance of students wanting to drop out.
If you suspect your child is being bullied, whether in school or online by fellow students, it’s crucial that you talk to them about it. See what the faculty and teachers can do about the situation. But also recognize that in some cases, it’s healthiest for your child to explore an alternative school setting in some cases.
If your child displays apathy towards school events like sports games or non-academic clubs, it could be a sign of a more significant issue happening within their school experience.
Their apathy could tie back to bullying or a feeling of mistreatment. Try to talk to your child to see what they’re experiencing and how you may help them find hobbies they are passionate about or transition to a place that welcomes their diverse talents.
Does this sound like your child? Check out our eGuide and see how Acceleration Academies helps keep students engaged.
With the rise of technology and an increasing number of high school dropouts, educational innovators are bringing in new ways for students to learn.
Some examples of alternative education include:
Homeschooling
Trade Schools
Tech Schools
Charter Schools
Online Courses
Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, so research each and see if they might match up with your child’s unique gifts.
At Acceleration Academies, we understand that there are layers to every child’s education experience. Whether it’s needing a bully-free learning environment or more personalized instruction, we want to help your child earn their high school diploma.
We partner with traditional high schools to help your child accomplish their goals in a way that works best for them. We adapt to your student’s learning needs with dedicated staff who provide personalized attention and assistance.
With an online platform designed to help students learn at their own pace, Acceleration Academies comes alongside your child to help them succeed in relevant coursework. We understand that the traditional approach to high school is no longer the only option, and we’re passionate about finding new ways to engage students in their education and help them take control of their futures.
Explore our flexible learning methods designed to excite your child about learning and success in school in our eGuide.
To learn more about how we work, request more information. Or, you can connect with an academy today and ask all your questions at a location near you.